Citing your sources is an essential part of writing any research paper. It shows that you have done your homework, gives credit to the original authors, and helps your instructor see how you have used those sources to support your ideas.
Use both in-text citations and a Reference List (or Works Cited page) to show where your information came from. This not only strengthens your work but also allows readers to find and learn more about the sources you used.
You should cite any material that is not your own original thought — including direct quotes, paraphrased ideas, facts, statistics, or opinions from someone else’s work. Proper citation shows academic integrity and avoids plagiarism.
You do not need to cite common knowledge — information that can be found in at least five credible sources and is widely accepted as fact. For example: "Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February."
If you are ever unsure whether something needs to be cited, it is better to cite it than risk academic dishonesty.
At Harcum College, the following styles are used:
Your choice of citation style will be determined by your academic program and instructor. For more information, click on the Plagiarism and Academic Integrity tab.
Abstract – A brief summary that highlights the main points or findings of a longer work, such as a research paper, article, or report.
Bibliography – A complete list of all sources you consulted while researching and writing, whether or not you directly cited them in your paper.
Citation – The information needed to identify and locate a source, such as a book, article, or website. The format depends on the citation style you're using.
Citation Style – A specific set of guidelines for formatting citations, including the order of information, punctuation, and layout. Examples include APA, MLA, AMA, and ASA.
In-text Citation – A brief mention of a source within your writing that points to the full citation in your reference list or works cited page.
Works Cited (MLA) / References List (APA) – A list at the end of your paper that includes full details for every source you cited, formatted according to the required citation style.
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